US Sporting Events Postponed As Stars Protest Latest Shooting
A host of teams and athletes from around several US sports have boycotted matches in protest at the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
After the Wisconsin-based franchise the Milwaukee Bucks called off Game 5 of their play-off series against the Orlando Magic, numerous other US sporting events were called off, including that of the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team.
Blake was shot seven times in the back by police, while subsequent protests saw two people killed.
A statement from the Milwaukee Bucks players said: “Over the last few days in our home state of Wisconsin, we’ve seen the horrendous video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back seven times by a police officer in Kenosha, and the additional shooting of protestors. Despite the overwhelming plea for change, there has been no action, so our focus today cannot be on basketball.
“When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. We hold ourselves to that standard, and in this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement.
“We are calling for justice for Jacob Blake and demand the officers be held accountable. For this to occur, it is imperative for the Wisconsin State Legislature to reconvene after months of inaction and take up meaningful measures to address issues of police accountability, brutality and criminal justice reform. We encourage all citizens to educate themselves, take peaceful and responsible action, and remember to vote on November 3rd.”
Sport has united in solidarity with the move in a new show of athlete influence.
Tennis player Naomi Osaka also pulled out of her WTA match in New York, and Thursday’s ATP Tour matches were suspended.
Meanwhile, five MLS games were also called off, as were MLB matches involving the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres.
Osaka tweeted a statement in which she said: “As a black woman I feel as though there are much more important matters at hand that need immediate attention, rather than watching me play tennis…. Watching the continued genocide of Black people at the hands of the police is honestly making me sick to my stomach.”
The dramatic evening of postponements at sporting events has continued sport’s role in reacting to the wider Black Lives Matter movement, with protests taking place throughout the sporting landscape – something that shows no signs of slowing.
“NBA players have a long-held history in calling-out injustice, so their unwavering support of the Black Lives Matter movement is no surprise. Let’s be clear: there is no way they will just ‘shut up and dribble’,” said Simon Oliveira, Managing Director of talent and commercial management agency KIN Partners.
“With athletes from other leagues and sports quick to show solidarity, it’s highlighted once again that they have never held more influence in their hands. Player power is undeniable and has shown that it’s capable of forcing the hand of its ownership and administrators in to broader action. This leaves big questions for media rights owners and sponsors, but unprecedented times call for unprecedented actions. What is clear is that players will no longer remain silent on issues that matter to them.”
